If you adore the sweet, cozy delight of cinnamon rolls but want to skip the tangy punch of cream cheese in the topping, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s smooth, luxuriously buttery, and hits all the right notes of warm vanilla and a hint of lemon that brighten every bite. This icing gives your cinnamon rolls that irresistible glossy finish and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, all without a trace of cream cheese. Perfectly thick yet easy to drizzle, it transforms your cinnamon rolls into a dreamy treat anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients combine to create an indulgently smooth icing that perfectly balances sweetness, creaminess, and a slight tang. Each one plays a crucial role — from the nutty depth of browned butter to the subtle zip of lemon juice and the silky sweetness of maple syrup.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): The base of your icing, it provides that classic smoothness and sweetness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): This little addition keeps the icing firm and prevents it from weeping or running off your rolls.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the sweetness for a perfectly rounded flavor.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): When browned, it adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the icing beyond ordinary.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): Whether whole or plant-based, it smooths out the texture and makes the icing luscious.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Provides a hint of brightness that keeps the icing from feeling too heavy.
- Maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Infuses a subtle sweetness with a hint of complexity, making the icing truly unique.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by gently melting your unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir it constantly so it browns evenly and doesn’t burn. You’ll notice it foaming first and then turning a beautiful golden brown with a nutty aroma filling your kitchen. This process should take about 4 to 5 minutes. It’s absolutely worth the attention because browned butter is the secret ingredient that gives this icing its incredibly rich flavor.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
While the butter cools for a minute or two, sift the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a mixing bowl. Sifting is key here – it prevents lumps, which means your icing will be perfectly smooth and it will hold its shape beautifully on warm cinnamon rolls instead of melting away.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the browned butter, including any of those gorgeous browned bits left in the pan, into the bowl with the sifted dry ingredients. Add the milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and maple syrup next. Whisk vigorously until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. If you spot any little lumps, don’t worry—using a hand mixer on low speed for just 10 to 15 seconds will get it silky perfect.
Step 4: Let It Thicken
Let the icing sit for about 3 minutes. During this time, it will thicken just enough to be spreadable but still drizzles easily. Want a thicker consistency? Add up to another tablespoon of powdered sugar. Prefer it thinner for a lighter glaze? Add milk one teaspoon at a time until it’s just right for your rolls.
Step 5: Drizzle and Enjoy
Now the fun part—drizzle your glossy icing over warm cinnamon rolls in beautiful concentric circles. The flavor and texture will make every bite melt in your mouth. And if you have any leftover, store it for later so you can enjoy a little extra indulgence whenever you want.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cinnamon rolls with some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, sweet icing. A sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest brightens the flavors and adds a fresh citrusy pop that complements the lemon juice in the icing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This icing pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy chai latte—the warm spices and sweetness enhance each other. For a complete indulgent breakfast experience, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling this icing over cinnamon roll waffles or pancakes for a fun twist. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for soft pretzels or as a sweet drizzle over baked apples for an easy dessert makeover that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover icing, no worries. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors actually meld together more the next day, so it can taste even better when reheated!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this icing because the texture can change upon thawing, but if you must, freeze it in a sealed container for no longer than one month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight and whisk it gently before use.
Reheating
To bring your chilled or leftover icing back to life, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds until just warm. Then whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy. This will restore its luscious texture, ready to slather on your next batch of cinnamon rolls.
FAQs
Can I use a milk substitute in this Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! Plant-based milks like almond, oat, or soy work beautifully here and make the icing suitable for dairy-free diets while maintaining its creamy texture.
Why is cornstarch included in the icing?
Cornstarch acts as a stabilizer that prevents the icing from weeping or running off warm cinnamon rolls, helping it keep a nice glossy finish for longer.
Can I make this icing ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the icing a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just remember to warm and whisk it well before using to regain the perfect drizzle consistency.
What if I don’t have maple syrup—can I omit it?
You can substitute honey or agave nectar, or simply skip it, but maple syrup adds a unique depth and subtle sweetness that really shines in this recipe.
Will this icing work on other pastries besides cinnamon rolls?
Definitely! It’s fantastic on donuts, coffee cakes, or even as a glaze on sweet breads, offering that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy luscious, flavorful icing that’s easy to make and wildly delicious. Its nutty browned butter and bright, smooth sweetness truly make every bite of your cinnamon rolls unforgettable. Next time you bake or buy cinnamon rolls, give this icing a try—you’ll wonder how you ever made them without it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Icing Without Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This luscious Cinnamon Roll Icing without Cream Cheese offers a rich, buttery glaze with warm brown butter notes, enhanced by vanilla, lemon juice, and a hint of maple syrup. Perfectly smooth and easy to make, this icing beautifully complements warm cinnamon rolls, adding a delightful sweet finish without the tanginess of cream cheese.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons milk (whole or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: Begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until the butter foams, then turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, which should take about 4–5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning; remove from heat as soon as the foam subsides to capture the perfect brown butter flavor.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: While the butter cools for about 1–2 minutes, sift together the powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt into a mixing bowl. This step is essential to avoid weeping and maintain a firm glaze on your cinnamon rolls.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the browned butter, including the flavorful browned bits, into the dry mixture. Add the milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth. If you encounter small lumps, use a hand mixer on low speed for 10–15 seconds to fully incorporate everything.
- Adjust and Rest: Let the icing rest for about 3 minutes to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker icing, add up to 1 tablespoon more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add 1 teaspoon more milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency for drizzling.
- Serve and Store: Drizzle the icing over warm cinnamon rolls in concentric circles for an elegant finish. Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. When ready to use, gently warm the icing in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and whisk to restore its silky texture.
Notes
- Use a small saucepan and stir butter constantly during browning to avoid burning.
- Sifting dry ingredients is important to prevent a runny or weepy glaze.
- Adjust the icing consistency with additional powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Leftover icing can be refrigerated and gently reheated for later use.
- Using lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds subtle brightness.
